JP2000023015A - Electronic camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera system which can be used in common by many users, simplifies photographing and also easily control the image information by every user. SOLUTION: A camera device 10 is placed at a prescribed position and also plural remote controllers 12 are prepared to supply photographing start signals to the device 10. The individual identification codes are allocated to the controllers 12, and an ID information transmitting means 30 is prepared for every controller 12 to add the ID information showing an identification code to the photographing start signal and to transmit them. Then the device 10 receives the signals from the controllers 12 to perform photographing and at the same time adds the received ID information to the fetched image information together with the photographing start signals to record them at a storage part 20. The image information acquired by the device 10 are transferred to a data server 14. Then a desired image is extracted in response to a user request and based on the ID information, outputted to a display device, printed or written into a recording medium.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera system, and more particularly to an electronic camera system which is installed in a theme park or the like and which can be used by an unspecified number of people.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a facility where many people enter, such as a theme park or an amusement park, a service of renting a camera or a video camera to an applicant has been conventionally provided. In addition, a print service (DEP shop) for photographs is provided in such a facility, and photographed photographs are immediately printed and provided to users.

[0003]

However, since cameras and video cameras are expensive in equipment, they often require large deposits when rented out, and are not readily available to users. On the other hand, the renter also requires a great deal of labor to maintain and manage the equipment, such as checking and adjusting the camera. Also, regarding the print service, when the number of users increases, the relationship between the user who is the requester and the photograph (negative, print, image data) owned by the user is described (input) at the reception office (DEP shop). Work becomes complicated, and it is difficult to provide smooth services.

[0004] From such a viewpoint, the present applicant installs an electronic camera operable with a remote control in a facility such as a theme park and operates a dedicated remote control signal transmitter (hereinafter, referred to as a remote control device) for operating the camera. ) To the unspecified number of users. That is, a system in which a plurality of users who lend a remote control device can freely operate a camera installed in a facility to take a photograph and provide each user with only a photograph taken by the user. It is.

In general, in the field of cameras, it is widely known that a camera operation such as a release operation is performed using a remote control device irrespective of a silver halide camera or a digital camera (JP-A-7-295086). However, in the conventional apparatus, when a large number of users use one camera, it is very difficult to classify photographed image information for each user.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 9-116657 proposes a system in which an identification signal indicating user ID information is input from an ID input unit and the user ID information is transferred together with image information. Does not show the relationship between the release operation and the ID input. Considering the case where one camera is used by many users, there is a problem that the user ID input operation is complicated and the service provision throughput is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an electronic camera which can be used by many users in common, can easily perform a shooting operation, and can simplify image information management for each user. It is intended to provide a camera system.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electronic camera having an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and converting the image into electronic image data. A plurality of remote control devices capable of giving a shooting start signal to the electronic camera are prepared, individual ID information is set in each remote control device, and the ID of the remote control device is set. I to send information by adding information to the shooting start signal
D information transmitting means is provided, and the image information captured in response to the reception of the shooting start signal and the ID information received together with the shooting start signal are recorded in association with each other.

According to the electronic camera stem of the present invention, the user of the remote control device can be specified by the individual ID information set in the remote control device. When the user operates the remote controller to give an instruction to start photographing, the remote controller transmits ID information of the remote controller together with a photographing start signal. The electronic camera receives the signal emitted from the remote control device by the signal receiving means and shoots (captures an image)
However, since the ID information of the remote control device is added to the shooting start signal, it is possible to determine which remote control device has issued the shooting start instruction. Therefore, the image information acquired in response to the reception of the photographing start signal and the ID information related to the photographing start signal are recorded in association with each other, so that the photographer can be easily associated with the image information. Management can be simplified.

[0010] Thereby, a plurality of users can freely execute photographing using the electronic camera using the remote control device, and even if a large amount of image information is accumulated, ID information associated with each image information is utilized. This makes it possible to easily extract only image information related to shooting of a specific user.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an electronic camera system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This system mainly includes a camera device (corresponding to an electronic camera) 10 for capturing an image of a subject and converting it into electronic image data, and a remote control device (corresponding to a remote control device) for operating the camera device 10. And the camera device 10
And a data server (corresponding to a data storage device) 14 for receiving the image data obtained in step (1) and providing the image information to the user in a desired form such as printing.

The camera device 10 includes an image pickup section (corresponding to image pickup means) 16, an image signal processing section 18, a storage section (corresponding to recording means) 20, and an image information transfer section (corresponding to information transfer means) 2.
2. It is composed of a signal receiving section (corresponding to a signal receiving means) 24 and the like, and is installed in a predetermined place (for example, a place in the theme park site where it is anticipated that there is a particular demand for photography). . Reference numeral 26 in the drawing denotes an antenna that receives a communication wave from the remote control device 12. on the other hand,
A plurality of remote control devices 12 are prepared and lent to a person (user) who wants to use the present system. When the remote controller 12 is lent, each user is assigned unique ID information. The ID information may be an identification code (number) unique to the remote control device 12, or may be an identification code (number) that can be arbitrarily set / changed as long as duplicate ID assignment can be eliminated by appropriate means. . In any case, the rented remote control device 12 is set with ID information that can identify the user.

Each remote control device 12 has a photographing signal transmitting means 28 for transmitting a signal (photographing start signal) for instructing the start of photographing, and an ID information transmitting means 30 for transmitting ID information. . When a predetermined operation for instructing the start of shooting is performed, such as pressing a shooting start button (release button) (not shown) provided on the remote control device 12, the shooting start signal and the ID information signal are transmitted from the remote control device 12 by radio waves or light. It is transmitted by a non-contact signal transmission form.

The camera device 10 receives a signal transmitted from the remote control device 12 by the signal receiving unit 24 and executes a photographing operation in response to the signal. A pan / tilt mechanism for adjusting the direction of a photographing lens (not shown) of the camera device 10 and its driving means, and an electric zoom driving means for adjusting the angle of view of the photographing lens are provided. A pan / tilt operation and a zoom operation may be performed. In this case, means for confirming the image captured by the camera device 10 is provided.

Although the detailed structure of the image pickup section 16 of the camera device 10 is not shown, it is well known that a CC
A subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD via the taking lens, in which the D
It is sequentially read as a CCD output signal by a drive pulse applied from the D drive circuit. This CCD output signal is
After predetermined analog processing such as CDS clamping and gain adjustment is performed, the signal is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter and is applied to the image signal processing unit 18. Note that the imaging means has various forms such as a CCD type, a MOS type, and a CID type, and may be an imaging tube.

The image signal processing section 18 includes a digital processing circuit such as a luminance / color difference signal conversion circuit (Y / C processing circuit), a gamma correction circuit, a data compression circuit, and the like. There is provided ID information adding means for adding ID information to photographed image data. The image data output from the imaging unit 16 is subjected to predetermined signal processing in the image signal processing unit 18, then data is compressed, and stored in the storage unit 20 in association with the ID information.

As a form of associating photographed image data with ID information, for example, ID information may be added to a file of image data, or a name reflecting ID information may be automatically created as a file name of image data. You may. Also,
If the same user performs multiple shootings, or if a plurality of camera devices 10 are installed and image data captured by each camera device 10 is aggregated and stored in the data server 14 as described below, the ID information , A directory for each user is formed, and the image data to which the same ID information is added is preferably stored in the corresponding directory.

The image information transfer section 22 has a communication interface, and the image data obtained by the camera device 10 is converted into a signal form in accordance with a predetermined communication format.
The image information is transferred from the image information transfer unit 22 to the data server 14. The communication means between the camera device 10 and the data server 14 may be in a form of connecting both using a cable (wired communication), or may be a non-contact signal transmission using electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or infrared rays (light). It may be in a form (wireless communication).

Although only one camera device 10 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of similar camera devices may be installed, and the camera device 10 may be installed at a plurality of locations on a large site such as a theme park. It is preferable to install. Image information acquired by each camera device 10 is stored in a data server 14.
Collected in. The data server 14 includes a receiving unit 34, I
D identification means (corresponding to a data classification device) 36, printing means 38, media writing means 40, and transfer means 42
Etc. are provided. The receiving unit 34 includes an interface for receiving data transferred from the camera device 10.
The ID identifying unit 36 is a unit that extracts, from the received image data, image data that matches the ID information of the user in response to a request from the user.

The image data extracted by the ID identifying means 36 can be output in various forms according to the user's request. For example, the image data extracted by the ID identifying unit 36 is output to a terminal device (not shown) (corresponding to an ID information input unit and a secondary extracting unit) or the like via the transfer unit 42, and the display device of the terminal device ( (Equivalent to a display device). While checking the image displayed on the display device, the user selects an image desired to be printed and specifies the number of prints, or selects an image desired to copy image data to a recording medium such as a memory card. It is possible.

The printing means 38 includes the ID identifying means 3
This is a means for printing, on a medium such as recording paper, all of the image data extracted in step 6, or the image data from which the user has further specified that he wants to print. Printing means 3
The medium (printed matter) printed in 8 is provided to the user. Also, the medium writing means 40 stores the ID
This is a means for writing all of the image data extracted by the identification means 36, or the image data specified by the user, into a portable external recording medium such as a memory card. The recording medium on which the image data has been written by the medium writing means 40 is provided to the user.

Next, the operation of the electronic camera system configured as described above will be described. In facilities where an unspecified number of people enter, such as theme parks, amusement parks, and zoos,
The camera device 10 of the present system is installed. Camera device 1
Although the number of 0 may be one, it is preferable to install as many as possible at a plurality of locations in the facility. Then, the remote controller 12 is lent to the users who wish to use the present system among the visitors of the facility. At this time, a unique identification code (ID) is assigned to the user together with the remote control device 12.

A large number of users can use the remote control device 12
To view the inside of the facility, and operate the remote control device 12 to take a picture when the camera device 10 comes to the installation point. When the release button of the remote control device 12 is operated,
An imaging start signal and an ID information signal are transmitted from remote controller 12 according to a predetermined non-contact signal transmission method. In the camera device 10, the signal transmitted from the remote control device 12 is received by the signal receiving unit 24, and a photographing operation is performed in response to the signal.

The image information captured in response to the reception of the photographing start signal is compressed via the image signal processing unit 18 and stored in the storage unit 20. At this time, the image data is received from the remote control device 12 The ID information is added and stored. For example, a file name of the image data to which a serial number is added is used as a file name of the image data, or the image data is stored in a directory based on the ID information. In particular, when the same user shoots a plurality of images with the same camera device 10, I
By creating a directory based on the D information and storing the photographed image information of the same user in the directory, the management of the image information is further facilitated.

By doing so, image data relating to photographing by different users is recorded (stored) in the same storage unit 20 or data server 14, but since each image data contains ID information, It can be easily classified.
For each of the camera devices 10 installed at a plurality of points in the facility, the user operates the remote control device 12 in the same manner to take an image, and the image in which the user ID information is assigned to the storage unit 20 of each camera device 10 Data is stored.

Thereafter, the image information acquired by each camera device 10 is transmitted to the data server 1 via the image information transfer unit 22.
4 The timing at which the image information is transferred from the camera device 10 to the data server 14 can be various modes. For example, every time a certain amount of image data is stored in the storage unit 20, the image information may be transferred to the data server 14, or the data transfer process may be performed after a certain time. Further, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the image information acquired for each photographing operation is immediately transferred to the data server 14 and then the next photographing is received.

The data server 14 classifies image data sent from the plurality of camera devices 10 for each user based on ID information and stores the data. That is, the ID information given to the received image data is read, the existence of the directory corresponding to the ID information is determined, and if the directory does not exist, the directory is automatically created based on the ID, and The image data is recorded in the. Since then
Image data having the same ID information is recorded in the same directory. On the other hand, if a directory corresponding to the corresponding ID information has already been created, the image data is recorded in that directory. Thus, the image data is classified and stored for each user.

In the facility, one or a plurality of terminal devices of the data server 14 are installed, and each user can use the terminal device to check image information of photographed images and to input information such as the number of prints. It can be performed. The terminal device has means for receiving a signal emitted from the remote control device 12, and when an image confirmation button of the remote control device 12 is pressed in front of the terminal device, ID information is transmitted from the remote control device 12,
ID information is automatically input to the terminal device. In addition, ID
The information may be input from a keyboard, a mouse, or other input means of the terminal device. Alternatively, by reading a barcode attached to the remote control device 12 or attaching the remote control device 12 to a dedicated information reading adapter, Alternatively, the ID information may be read from the internal memory and automatically input to the terminal device.

The terminal device notifies the data server 14 of the input ID information and requests reading of the image information related to the photographing of the user indicated by the ID information. The data server 14 extracts the image information of the directory corresponding to the ID information received from the terminal device, and supplies this to the terminal device. As a result, a list of images taken by the user is displayed on the display device of the terminal device.

While viewing the list display, the user can select a desired service, select a required image, or issue an instruction such as the number of prints on the operation panel (or the remote controller 1).
Input from 2). When the print service is selected, it is possible to further select whether to print all shooting scenes or to select and print only necessary scenes. Other media other than recording paper (for example, T
It is also possible to print an image desired by the user on a shirt, hat, cup, key ring, or the like.

When the image information is written on a recording medium such as a memory card and a medium writing service for receiving the medium is selected, a desired one of the types of the recording medium (PC card, smart media, floppy disk, MO, etc.) is selected. Items such as designation of a medium to be written, desire to write all data for writing image data of all shooting scenes, selection of only necessary scenes and writing, and the like can be selected.

In addition to the method of receiving photographed image information in a tangible form such as recording paper or recording media, a data server specified by the user (for example, when the user has a personal contract, using a communication line such as a telephone line) The service that transfers the image data to the provider's own e-mail account) can also be selected. Even when this data transfer service is designated, it is possible to select whether to transfer all the photographed image data or only a part of the image data.

The user's request input from the terminal device is notified to the data server 14 together with the ID information. The data server 14 extracts image information that matches the ID information possessed by the user, and provides a service according to the user's request using the printing means 38, the media writing means 40, or the transfer means 42. Of course, a plurality of services may be provided by combining these services. Thus, the user can receive the printed matter or the external recording medium in which the photographed image information is written. Delivery of the printed matter or the recording medium may be performed at any time as desired by the user, or may be delivered in exchange for the remote control device 12 when returning the remote control device 12.

The terminal device described above is provided for use by a user,
If the user can freely operate the terminal device to perform a desired input, service can be automated. Of course, the terminal device is installed at the place where the remote control device 12 is returned, and when the user returns the remote control device 12, a professional operator listens to the user's intention, inputs the type of service, etc., and prints or prints a recording medium. A mode in which delivery is performed is also possible.

As described above, according to the electronic camera system according to the present embodiment, while the camera device 10 is shared by a plurality of users, the image information relating to the photographing of each user can be easily classified and extracted. Thus, the service for providing image information can be simplified. In the above embodiment, the electronic camera system that records a still image has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an electronic camera system that records a moving image.

[0036]

As described above, according to the electronic camera system of the present invention, the ID information is transmitted together with the photographing start signal from the remote control device, and the image acquired by the camera device in response to the reception of the photographing start signal. Since the information is recorded in association with the ID information relating to the photographing start signal, the photographer can be easily associated with the image information,
Management of image information can be simplified.

Thus, even if a plurality of users freely take pictures with the electronic camera using the remote control device, based on the ID information associated with each piece of image information,
Only image information relating to photographing of a specific user can be easily extracted. In particular, the present invention is a system suitable for use in providing photographing means to an unspecified number of visitors in facilities such as a theme park. That is, the remote controller is less expensive than the camera body, is easier to maintain and inspect, and has little possibility of being stolen because the remote controller alone has little use value. Therefore, maintenance and management are easy for the lender. In addition, it is possible to rent the camera at a lower usage fee compared to the conventional service of renting a camera, which is useful for both the user and the service provider.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electronic camera 12 ... Remote control device 14 ... Data server 16 ... Imaging part 18 ... Image signal processing part 20 ... Storage part 22 ... Image information transfer part 28 ... Photographing signal transmission means 30 ... ID information transmission means 36 ... ID identification means 38 printing means 40 medium writing means 42 transferring means

Claims (11)

[Claims] An electronic camera having an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and converting the image into electronic image data is provided with signal reception means for receiving a signal transmitted from a remote control device, while the electronic camera is provided with the signal reception means. A plurality of remote controllers capable of giving a shooting start signal to the remote controller are prepared, individual ID information is set for each remote controller, and the ID information is added to the shooting start signal and transmitted.
An electronic camera system comprising a D information transmitting means, wherein image information taken in response to receipt of a photographing start signal and ID information received together with the photographing start signal are recorded in association with each other. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a recording unit configured to record the image information captured in response to the reception of the photographing start signal and the ID information received together with the photographing start signal, in association with each other; 2. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image information is recorded in a directory corresponding to the ID information received via the PC. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising an information transfer unit configured to transfer the image information captured in response to the reception of the shooting start signal and the ID information received together with the shooting start signal to an external data storage device. 2. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus records the image information and the ID information in association with each other. 4. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a data classification device that collects image information from one or more electronic cameras and classifies the image information based on ID information. . 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the data classification device classifies the image information based on ID information transmitted from a remote control device or ID information input from ID information input means. Camera system. 6. The electronic camera system according to claim 4, further comprising a display device for displaying image information classified by the data classification device for each ID information. 7. The same I classified by the data classification device.
A secondary extraction device comprising: a selection unit for selecting desired image information from image information having D information; and an extraction unit for extracting the image information selected by the selection unit. The electronic camera system according to claim 4. 8. The electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising a printing unit that prints image information classified by the data classification device or image information extracted by the secondary extraction device. Camera system. 9. A medium writing unit for writing image information classified by the data classification device or image information extracted by the secondary extraction device to a recording medium. Electronic camera system. 10. A transfer device for transferring image information classified by the data classification device or image information extracted by the secondary extraction device to an external data storage device. 8. The electronic camera system according to 5 or 7. 11. A remote control device capable of installing one or more of the electronic cameras in a facility where an unspecified number of people enter, and giving a shooting start signal to the electronic camera. 2. The electronic camera system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is lent to a desired one of the people, and each user operates the remote control device to provide image information captured by the user to each user. how to use.